Cleaning Resin driveway

double_dutchy

We have a resin driveway. We moved in less than 2 years ago and I haven't got any experience of cleaning or maintaining resin drives. It now has a significant covering of algae/moss so I want to clean it.

Previous owner used Patio Magic or similar but he says there's a version of that specifically for resin drives, but I can't find one - any recommendations?

I'd like to avoid bleach or other strong chemicals as we have dogs and cats who might be affected

Thanks for any input

Emmia

double_dutchy said:

We have a resin driveway. We moved in less than 2 years ago and I haven't got any experience of cleaning or maintaining resin drives. It now has a significant covering of algae/moss so I want to clean it.

Previous owner used Patio Magic or similar but he says there's a version of that specifically for resin drives, but I can't find one - any recommendations?

I'd like to avoid bleach or other strong chemicals as we have dogs and cats who might be affected

Thanks for any input

Patio magic and anything of this sort would be a strong chemical.

If you don't want to go down that road, then you're probably looking at pressure washing.

double_dutchy

Emmia said:

Patio magic and anything of this sort would be a strong chemical.

OK, I understand it still contains chemicals but Patio Magic says "children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas once dry", whereas other treatments I looked at needed you to exclude pets for 2 days.

I looked at the pressure washing option but I understand that resin drives can be damaged if the pressure is too high

pseudodox

Only use very gentle pressure, which if the algae has taken hold might not be very effective until you have got on top of the problem.  I had my drive done 5 years ago & with regular attention it still looks new.  I use a pressurised hand sprayer a couple of times a year & the recommended by my installers chemical which is Essential Algae Remover from stonecare4u.  Pet safe once dried. You need to do it in dry weather, the algae turns black & can be cleared with a stiff brush.

If you get snow & ice only use household salt if it is very slippy & brush away residue after snow has melted.  Do not get road grit salt on the resin - it eats into it apparently.

Don't allow heavy vehicles to park on the drive & if you ever need a skip or scaffolding cover the area with boarding.

pseudodox

Just found the link to the stuff I use

https://www.stonecare4u.co.uk/product/essential-algae-remover/

It looks expensive, but it dilutes and goes a long way if you only have light algae cover.  My drive is about 50 sq m.  I only get the 5 litre one and whilst it has a "use by" life I have done 2 applications in each of last 2 years & it still worked last autumn.  Hoping to get another spring session from it before I have to buy again.  Plenty of advice on the website on how to use it.  My neighbours use it on a block pave drive and we both get good results.

silvercar

Neighbours wrecked their resin drive by using a power washer!

keithu

According to their msds, the Essential Algae Remover and Patio Magic are both mostly solutions of benzalkonium chloride, so you might as well just buy the cheapest one. Alternatively you can buy a 50% benzalkonium chloride solution and dilute it to make your own - just google BAC50 if you want to do that.

pseudodox

Good point @keithu
A condition of my 5 year warranty was to use ONLY the recommended cleaner.  Now my warranty is finished then I probably will also compare prices.  Of course if I had any problem after using a cheaper equivalent I suppose the onus of proof would be on me.  However with a 5 litre container in my garage & a receipt for same the drive company would have had to prove I had perhaps drunk the stuff!

When looking at cheaper alternatives check the dilution proportions are comparable, or a cheap one could actually not go as far.

double_dutchy

Thanks for all your helpful replies.

I'm probably going to stick with Patio Magic, as it looks like I can get a little more for my money. Five litres for £19 on Amazon for me